JAZZ BAND

The Mt. Carmel High School Jazz program offers students an immersive dive into jazz theory, improvisation, and ensemble performance. The program adapts its schedule throughout the school year to balance with our competitive fall marching season before shifting into high gear for the spring festival circuit.

• Fall Season (August – November): To accommodate marching commitments, the jazz ensembles operate in a limited capacity, meeting for targeted rehearsals once per week. The fall culminates in an informal, festive Holiday Jazz Concert in December.

• Spring Season (January – May): Once marching season concludes, the jazz program ramps up significantly. Ensembles rehearse twice a week during morning blocks before school, with occasional Wednesday evening rehearsals added to prepare for regional evaluations and showcases.

A Legacy of World-Class Collaborations & Excellence

Mt. Carmel has a proud history of bringing legendary jazz icons directly to our campus, offering our student-musicians unprecedented masterclass and performance opportunities.

• Adam Rapa Residency (2017): The program hosted world-renowned trumpeter Adam Rapa for a specialized Masterclass and Scholar-in-Residence week. The experience culminated in a joint concert featuring the MC Jazz Bands and a special cameo appearance by legendary alto saxophonist Christopher Hollyday.

• Arturo Sandoval Performance (2014): In a historic event for the department, multi-Grammy Award winner and world-famous jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval performed live on stage at Mt. Carmel, sharing the spotlight with our student jazz ensembles.

• Reno Jazz Festival Success: At the prestigious Reno Jazz Festival, Jazz Ensemble A earned a coveted "Unanimous Superior" festival rating and captured 2nd place overall in their competitive division.

• Regional Festival Circuit: Both Jazz Ensembles A and B are regular, high-achieving participants at the annual Coronado Jazz Festival and Poway Jazz Festival.